Ogun family demands justice after police shooting of breadwinner

The family of Owolabi Oniyiku, who was allegedly shot dead by policemen in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, has called on the state government and police to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served.

They are also asking for the dismissal of the officers involved, claiming they have a history of harassment and extortion on the road.

Kolade Oniyiku, a relative of the deceased, spoke to PUNCH Metro on Saturday about what happened. He explained that Owolabi had come home to celebrate the Oro festival and was set to leave on Wednesday when he ran into the policemen at Akinde Junction.

Kolade said the policemen had seized some motorcycles, causing fear among other riders who worried their bikes could also be taken. He stated that when his brother approached the officers to ask if he could pass, an argument broke out, and one of the policemen shot him.

"He went there to ask if they could pass through the other side of their shed. The police officer began arguing with him, saying, 'Don’t pass here, don’t pass here.'

"As he started turning around, the officer just opened fire on him; he didn’t even move further. He didn’t fight with them; he didn’t do anything," Kolade alleged.

Kolade shared his disappointment that no police officer had reached out to the family or offered condolences after the incident. "They never showed up at our place, and even when we spoke with some of them, they never contacted us," he said.

He mentioned that Owolabi's body was taken to a mortuary, and the family went to see him there. Kolade highlighted that Owolabi was the main provider for the family, taking care of his mother and younger siblings.

"What his death did to us right now is very heavy. It devastated the family because he was the one taking care of his mother. He was the one sending money to all his younger siblings. He was the one taking care of the family. It hurt the family deeply; all of us are in tears," he said.

Kolade also clarified that it was his younger brother's wife who had recently given birth, not Owolabi's wife as some reports stated. He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Nigeria Police leadership to step in and ensure accountability for the death.

"Please, they should intervene now, because with what happened, those police officers ought to be dismissed, all of them," he said.

He also urged an end to what he sees as frequent roadblocks and extortion by security personnel. "Regarding those roadblocks they set up on that road, we don’t want them. The government should save us from them because they are doing too much," he added.

Kolade claimed that security personnel often demanded money from motorists and residents, especially on market days. "Sometimes officers like the Border Patrol collect N50,000 or N100,000 from people for minor issues. And if we report to their superiors, they won’t listen," he alleged.

He called on the government to act quickly. "The government should help us with this matter; they shouldn’t let this death be in vain. They should take action on it; they should work on it," he said.

PUNCH Metro reported on Friday that some youths set fire to two police station buildings in the area following the shooting. A community leader, who wished to remain anonymous, told our correspondent that Oniyiku, who lived in Lagos, had come back to celebrate the Oro festival with friends when he was shot.

The source said the incident happened near Akinde Junction, where the police facility was described as a makeshift checkpoint. They noted that the area had become known for harassing motorists and commercial motorcycle riders, leading to anger from residents the day before.

When contacted about the incident, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer Babaseyi Oluseyi promised to respond but had not done so by the time this report was published. Meanwhile, in a response to Daily Post, Oluseyi confirmed that the officers involved in the shooting had been detained.